Knowledge, Practices and Challenges on Using improved cereal crop varieties of Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter, Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.) Among farmers in Dangila District, Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Enhancing the productivity of agriculture sector plays a vital role for country like Ethiopia where reducing poverty and sustaining food security is government’s main agenda. In order to enhance the productivity of agriculture sector, Ethiopian government promotes adoption of multiple agriculture technology. However, in most of the rural areas of Ethiopian farmers adopt single and mix of technology rather than adopting all available practices. As a result, understanding the determinant of adoption of multiple agricultural technology and its impacts on productivity is essential to design appropriate policy options for the wider adoption process. Thus, this study assesses knowledge, evaluate practice and investigate challenges of farmers toward using three selected improved crops (i.e. Tef (Eragrostis tef), (Triticum aestivum L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.)) Primary data from questionnaires answered by farmers and secondary data collected from kebele and district staffs was used. Mean, percent and frequency were employed to achieve the above objectives. The result of the study shows that, farmers have less knowledge (337(91.1%) know only Quncho tef variety. 15(4.1%) of farmers know 3 types, 290(78.4%) know 4 types varieties of improved Maize & 27(7.3%) farmers know 1 type, 299(80.8) know improved Wheat varieties and practice on them. shortage of input. unavailability of sowing and trashing technologies and low extension support are also any other challenges. The study recommends that the government should enhance DAs’ and extension service and increase the access of input.